Curcumin extract and fennel essential oil for irritable bowel syndrome

A group of Italian and Belgian researchers studied 211 individuals with irritable bowel syndrome. They tested the efficacy of a curcumin extract and fennel essential oil. All study participants took two capsules containing 42 mg of curcumin and 25 mg of fennel essential oil twice daily with meals for 30 days. After 30 days, the participants took two capsules once daily with a meal. Surveys were administered before and after taking the experiment and contained questions regarding bowel regularity and quality of life.

At the conclusion of the study, the researchers found that there was significant improvement in bowel regularity and quality of life in the study participants as a whole.

Scientific abstract is here.

Reference
Di Ciaula A, Portincasa P, Maes N, et al. Efficacy of bio-optimized extracts of turmeric and essential fennel oil on the quality of life in patients with irritable bowel syndrome. Ann Gastroenterol. 2018;31(6):685-691.doi: 10.20524/aog.2018.0304

Peppermint essential oil and cognitive function

A recent double-blind, placebo-controlled, cross-over clinical trial involving 24 individuals found peppermint essential oil had a positive effect on cognition during the execution of difficult mental tasks. In addition, peppermint essential oil significantly reduced cognitive fatigue.

Read the abstract here.

Reference: Kennedy D, Okello E, Chazot P, et al. Volatile Terpenes and Brain Function: Investigation of the Cognitive and Mood Effects of Mentha × Piperita L. Essential Oil with In Vitro Properties Relevant to Central Nervous System Function. Nutrients. 2018;10(8). pii: E1029. doi: 10.3390/nu10081029.

Essential oils and neck pain

A randomized controlled study involving 60 participants found that application of a cream with a 3% concentration of marjoram, black pepper, lavender, and peppermint resulted in improved pain tolerance and increased mobility relative to the control group. Read more here.


Reference
M.-C. Ou, Y.-F. Lee, C.-C. Li, and S.-K. Wu, “The effectiveness of essential oils for patients with neck 
pain: a randomized controlled study,” J. Altern. Complement. Med. N. Y. N, vol. 20, no. 10, pp. 771– 
779, Oct. 2014.

Aromatherapy and massage during labour can reduce the use of anesthesia

The use of aromatherapy and massage has been found to reduce the use of analgesia and anesthesia for women in labour. Read the abstract here.


Reference
Dhany AL, Mitchell T, Foy C. Aromatherapy and massage intrapartum service impact on use of analgesia and anesthesia in women in labor: A retrospective case note analysis. The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine. 2012;18(10):932-938.

Geranium decreases anxiety in patients with acute myocardial infarction

A triple-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial investigated the effects of geranium essential oil on anxiety in the healthcare setting. Absorbent patches with three drops of geranium oil were placed inside of patients’ oxygen masks for 20 minutes daily. Geranium oil significantly decreased anxiety in patients who received it.

Read the scientific abstract here.


Reference:
Shirzadegan R, Gholami M, Hasanvand S, et al. Effects of geranium aroma on anxiety among patients with acute myocardial infarction: A triple-blind randomized clinical trial. Complement Ther Clin Pract. 2017;29:201-206.

Protective essential oil blend inhibits the influenza virus

Protective essential oil blend was found to inhibit the influenza virus by inhibiting the synthesis of viral proteins in an in vitro study.

Read the study here.

Reference:
Wu et al. 2010. Protective essential oil attenuates influenza virus infection: An in vitro study in MDCK cells. BMC Complement. Altern. Med. 10:69.

Copaiba essential is an effective anti-acne treatment

Copaiba oil-resin is widely used in traditional medicine due to its anti-inflammatory, healing, and antiseptic activities. In a double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial, there was a highly significant decrease in the surface affected with acne in the areas treated with the 1.0% copaiba essential oil preparation. Read the abstract here.

Reference
A. G. da Silva et al., “Application of the essential oil from copaiba (Copaifera langsdori Desf.) for acne vulgaris: a double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial,” Altern. Med. Rev. J. Clin. Ther., vol. 17, no. 1, pp. 69–75, Mar. 2012.